Perfect Motion guidebook brings Cambodian ballet to young people

launch Perfect Motion – or Tep Hattha In addition to the completion of the first phase of the Youth Empowerment Project, an educational guide in Khmer, an important moment occurred in Cambodia’s educational environment on November 5.

The initiatives aim to reach students in multiple provinces, empowering Cambodian youth through vocational training, cultural appreciation and civic engagement.

The first part of the event was dedicated to the release of the Khmer language adaptation of the guidebook that accompanied French director Xavier de Lauzanne’s critically acclaimed documentary. The film chronicles the journey and cultural significance of the Royal Cambodian Ballet.

Originally prepared in French by the French Lyceum René Descartes, the guidebook was adapted by Sipar to support Cambodian schools teaching students about the country’s artistic heritage.

Minister of Education, Youth and Sports Hang Chuon Naron thanked the filmmaker for producing the documentary, which supports the cultural promotion of Cambodia and provides resources for youth research and education, especially focusing on the Royal Ballet.

“I express my gratitude to the French government, the French Development Agency (AFD), Sipar, our development partners and all relevant professional organizations for their commitment to education reform, especially the development of young people, in order to provide children with quality, equitable education and lifelong learning opportunities. all of them,” Chuon Naron said.

The film offers an intimate look at the country’s Royal Ballet and traces its resilience and development since 1906.

Brings together the creation of ballet Metamorphosis Princess Norodom Buppha Devi and the broader history of ballet touch on its near-disappearance and subsequent revival during the Khmer Rouge.

The documentary, which includes the personal stories of young dancers and experienced ballet masters, is both a cultural tribute and a resource for educators.

Lach Rachna, an official from the French non-governmental organization Sipar, noted that the guide was developed to complement the educational screenings of the film.

Through this guide, Cambodian educators can stimulate classroom discussions and help students connect with the country’s rich traditions.

“Students don’t just watch for entertainment; “They are encouraged to discuss the themes covered in the film,” he explained. “This guide is for teachers who want to further explore the film’s themes with their students.”

Speaking to school principals and provincial representatives from the education department, Rachna added that through the information gained from the movie and the exercises in this book, teachers can help students engage in discussions about the content of the movie and develop critical thinking skills.

Nhek Sokun, deputy director of the Siem Reap provincial education department, one of the participants of the workshop, said that the book is incredibly valuable in providing information to both teachers and students.

“It will be even better if there is more education, because this will deepen (students’) understanding of Cambodia’s national cultural heritage,” he said.

Earlier this year, the Overseas Cambodian Investment Company (OCIC Group) partnered with Aloest Productions to expand the documentary’s reach across Europe.

Screened in more than 30 cities starting in early 2024, the film introduced Cambodia’s cultural history to international audiences and the Khmer diaspora.

Dance instructor Sok Sitha from Princess Norodom Buppha Devi Dance School stated that the school provides free training in traditional Khmer dances to more than 200 students and helps preserve the country’s cultural heritage.

A participant reads The Perfect Motion training manual in Khmer. Hong Raksmey

“We teach various traditional dances. Sampeahor the Khmer-style salute, which has its roots in classical Khmer dance,” Sitha explained.

De Lauzanne said the value of art is its universality.

“Perfect Motion “It’s not just about Cambodia, but it’s also about the fundamental connection between people’s identity and artistic creativity,” he added.

“Sok Nalys, one of the young dancers in the film, said: ‘When the culture dries up, the nation disintegrates. ‘When the culture develops, the nation also develops.’ Ballet helped restore Cambodia’s dignity after the cruelty and deprivation of the Khmer Rouge era. “This film pays tribute to all those who played a role in the return of culture and light,” he continued.

De Lauzanne explained that the film was dubbed in Khmer in order to reach the widest audience.

Voan Savay, one of the masters featured in the documentary, who rose to fame as a prima ballerina and later lived in a refugee camp near the Thai border, carried the legacy of classical Khmer dance.

Traumatized after the Khmer Rouge, she initially tried to flee abroad but changed her mind at the border and chose instead to stay, gather children and teach them the art of dancing.

“I can die and be reborn, but the art form cannot die,” he added.

Second phase of the youth empowerment project

At the seminar, the successes of the first stage of the Youth Empowerment Project, developed by Sipar in cooperation with the Ministry of National Education, Youth and Sports, with the co-financing of AFD, were conveyed.

The three-year initiative (October 2021-September 2024) supported more than 27,000 students in 16 secondary schools in 14 provinces.

The project provided modernized library services, reading resources, job training, digital skills programs, and civic engagement opportunities.

As the first phase concluded, Sipar celebrated the development of 11 book titles and four types of digital content designed to develop professional skills and civic awareness.

Sipar general manager Hok Sothy expressed his gratitude to the ministry and AFD for their support as the organization moves into the second phase.

The second phase, covering 24 provinces, will involve the participation of more than 40,000 young people, including approximately 20,000 women, in high schools, youth centers and community groups.

Attendees watch The Perfect Motion being unveiled at the Khmer guidebook launch. Hong Raksmey

“The second phase will strengthen youth vocational training and community engagement over the next 32 months,” Sothy said.

Touching on the local impact of the program, Sokun stated that 28 Makara High Schools in the Srei Snam region of Siem Reap participated in the second stage.

“Through this expansion, more students and teachers will benefit from vocational training and cultural education, helping them appreciate and preserve Cambodia’s heritage,” he added.

The second phase of the project, which will run from October 2024 to May 2027, will focus on expanding education, volunteerism and civic engagement.

With a budget of over $980,000, of which AFD financed 80 percent and Sipar 20 percent, the initiative is in line with the country’s national youth development policy.

During his speech, Chuon Naron emphasized the participation of young women, explaining that the second phase of outreach will target young people between the ages of 12 and 25.

“This project will further support Cambodia’s education reform by focusing on equitable, quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all,” he said.

Education Minister Hang Chuon Naron and French Ambassador to Cambodia Jacques Pellet enjoy a lively traditional dance called Preah Thong and Neang Neak. Hong Raksmey

French Ambassador to Cambodia Jacques Pellet expressed his hope that the books will continue their influence in society.

“Culture has an important value in Cambodia, especially for young people,” he said. “AFD has supported Sipar for more than a decade for its important role in cultural and educational development, especially in promoting the culture of reading in Cambodia.”